The BMW M135i And M235i Are Dead: Say Hello To The M140i and M240i

Once upon a time, BMW model names would rather neatly tell you size of the engine under the bonnet. Sure, there were a few exceptions, but it’d always give you a rough idea. Then downsizing came along and ruined the party - after all, BMW can’t really have multiple models called ‘320i’ and ‘320d’ now, can it?

So, it’s now better known as a performance index, but the trouble is, we were just getting used to the new naming system when BMW started to change it with the last 3-series facelift. And now, 1 and 2-series ranges have received the same treatment.

The M135i and M235i names have been ditched, replaced with M140i and M240i. This applies to all models - the three and five-door hatchback 1ers, and the coupe and cabriolet 2ers.

Displacement and cylinder counts haven’t changed: we’re still looking at 3.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged straight-sixes. But, as with when the 335i became the 340i, the engine is actually all-new. The N55 has been ousted, replaced by the modular B58 engine. It’s good for 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque in all models, representing an increase of 14bhp and 37lb ft.

Performance figures are identical for the M140i and M240i cabriolet, and are bloody impressive. The AWD ‘xDrive’ versions (not available in the UK, sadly) will do 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, just a tenth off the mighty M2.

Take away all-wheel drive and that’s bumped up to 4.6 seconds; swap the eight-speed automatic gearbox for a six-speed manual, and that goes up to 4.8. All models are 0.3sec quicker to 62mph than their predecessors, yet enjoy a seven per cent improvement when it comes to emissions and economy.

Also new is an auto rev-matching feature on the six-speed manual, but we’re not sure how we feel about that, as these systems can usually only be disabled by turning off all electronic aids. Meanwhile, the auto gets longer ratios to help fuel economy, and the ability to do multiple downshifts.

Want one? You’re looking at £31,875 and up for the M140i, £35,090 for the M240i and £38,535 for the M240i convertible. All of which are actually slightly less than the prices for the outgoing models.

Lower down the pecking order is a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot, which will be installed in the 20i, 25i and 30i models, giving 181bhp, 221bhp and 249bhp respectively. Yep, that means the 228i has a new name too - it’s now the 230i. Each version of the 2.0-litre lump gives a 7bhp boost over the old models, and burns a little cleaner.